Is Buddhadeb baggage for CPM now? Nov 12, 2009
Nirupam Sen, a senior Cabinet minister and Buddhadeb's No.2, known to adhere to the hardline associated with the central CPM leadership, appeared to lead the charge. ( ). (India Times, India -- Community News)
Tonga contemplates historic shift Nov 11, 2009
Teisina Fuko, a cabinet minister and president of the People's Democratic Party, says Tonga is ready to make the changes. "It is a very new concept. However, there are (a) few parties that have been started informally, like the party that I am president of, the People's Democratic Party," he said. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Palestinians see threat to group if leader resigns Nov 11, 2009
As Ephraim Sneh, a former liberal Cabinet minister, wrote in an opinion article in the daily newspaper Haaretz on Sunday, "The conduct of Abbas, the most courageous partner we have had, is in large measure a byproduct of our missed opportunities." ... " But he suggested that the crisis was aimed at persuading the United States and Europe to become more actively involved in bringing about a two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority was set up in 1994 as an interim governing body on the way to... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Whips aren't in the race when it comes to hurting horses Nov 11, 2009
It is tempting to say - as one federal cabinet minister recently has - that we were always whipped on flimsy pretexts. This was not strictly true, but we were sometimes whipped in flimsy pyjamas. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Bomber kills more than 20 in volatile Pakistan region Nov 11, 2009
It is not just a question of clearing out the militants, said Aftab Khan Sherpao, a national legislator and former cabinet minister. The whole fabric of society has collapsed in this region and it will take years to revive. (Boston Globe)
Palestinian Negotiator: 'Defining Moment' Is Here Nov 10, 2009
Palestinian reformer Mustafa Barghouti, who served once as a Cabinet minister, dismissed talk of dissolving the government. "That would be a mistake," he told the AP. "What should happen is that we should defy the Israeli rules and regulations.". (CBS News -- World)
Lawmakers on the wrong side of the law Nov 8, 2009
Its highly probable that the deafening silence since the PAC recommendation for a former Cabinet minister to be probed for CBT was the realisation in among MPs that Parliament was getting serious. Datuk Kamaruddin Jaffar (PAS Tumpat), a three-term MP and a PAC committee. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Controversy Unlimited: Kufuor in the Mo Nov 8, 2009
Thus if a cabinet minister goes to take Mabey and Johnson files and refuses to share them with the local SFO for example, or if some other people have been implicated and it is kept from the public eye, those who hide those things should know that others know even more which shall be divulged when they so determine. Now if I say that Kufuor made Ghana proud when he delivered his speech on Africa and Globalization-Enabling a Better Future at the United Nations University in Shibuya-Ku,... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Hooda ministry expanded in Haryana Nov 7, 2009
The other Cabinet minister is Om Parkash Jain, an independent MLA.. Both the Ministers of State -- Shiv Charan Sharma and Gopal Kanda -- are also independents MLAs. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Big B rivalry cost Shatru films Nov 6, 2009
I am happy that after the late Sunil Dutt, I was one of the few actors to have achieved something as a politician (and became a cabinet minister). I admire Vajpayeeji and Advaniji. (India Times, India)
French minister told to 'shut up or resign' Nov 6, 2009
RAMA Yade, the popular French cabinet minister, has been told to ''shut up or resign'' by colleagues after criticising President Nicolas Sarkozy and government policy. Cabinet ministers have branded Ms Yade, 32, a ''spoiled child'' and she faces being ousted in a reshuffle. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Student Becomes Unlikely Hero for Criticizing Ayatollah Nov 6, 2009
"Vahidnia showed a new atmosphere which is the true characteristic of the Iranian people," Ataollah Mohajerani, a former pro-reform Cabinet minister, wrote on his Web site. "If from now on in gatherings in the presence of the supreme leader one finds the courage to get up and speak in defense of justice and right, the climate of tyranny will suffocate.". (Fox News)
Switzerland falls into line with EU laws Nov 4, 2009
Nevertheless, a cabinet minister recently tried to reactivate a public debate about the advantages of EU membership for Switzerland. swissinfo. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
End hate speech - ANC Nov 4, 2009
The MK Military Veterans Association said former cabinet minister Kader Asmal should go to a cemetery and die. Political analyst Steven Friedman said it was time an ANC leader stepped forward. (iAfrica.com)
Zimbabwe: Which GPA Obligation Has MDC-T Met? Nov 4, 2009
People would instead be applauding the MDC-T, if their disengagement from Zanu-PF was because they had not moved policies, programmes and strategies to change the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans not because of a delay in the appointment of an accused, Roy Bennett to the post of deputy minister when we already have a full cabinet minister in place. What MDC-T leaders need to know is that there is deep disgruntlement within their supporters, over the failure by the party to achieve its own goals it... (allAfrica.com)
Drugs dispute Nov 3, 2009
However, former Conservative cabinet minister Lord Young was adamant Prof Nutt had crossed the line. Lord Young said: "What he should have done, I believe, is if he didn't like the decision, retire - and then make his statement. "What he shouldn't have done is to stay there and, really, argue against his minister. (BBC News -- UK)
Left, Right, Left: factions march into battle to put bums on seats Nov 3, 2009
Yesterday, Mr Ferguson's brother, the cabinet minister Martin Ferguson, called for his older brother, a parliamentary secretary, to be looked after. I simply adopt the view in terms of politics; the responsibility of the party is to resolve these matters by goodwill,'' he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Anna Hazare, Aamir Khan want Kiran Bedi to hold top RTI job Nov 1, 2009
The CCIC will be chosen by a three-member panel comprising the PM, the leader of the opposition (L K Advani) and a cabinet minister nominated by the PM (Veerappa Moily) ... The CCIC will be chosen by a three-member panel comprising the PM, the leader of the opposition (L K Advani) and a cabinet minister nominated by the PM (Veerappa Moily). (India Times, India -- Community News)
CIC selection system fraud: RTI activists Nov 1, 2009
"Hand-picking people from a small circle at the DoPT (department of personnel ing), PMO and the CIC, as the government is doing now, is a sure way of defeating excellence, nurturing mediocrity and protecting vested interests within the administration,'' he added. Acording to him, Australia's RTI Act insists on advertising for the post of the information commissioner. The CIC is on a par with chief election commissioner and the appointment committee for the post constitutes the PM, the Leader of... (India Times, India)
Kanpur has a crorepati inspector Oct 31, 2009
According to the complainant, Tripathi persuaded Garg to cancel the power of attorney for the property in question and hand it over to a person whom he introduced as the son a senior cabinet minister. Topics. (India Times, India)
'Marry single mums instead of young virgin girls' Oct 30, 2009
Wan Ubaidah Omar, a cabinet minister from northern Kelantan, which the party controls, said the proposal aired in state parliament this week was needed to help single mothers and widows in the under-developed region. "Muslim men usually like young girls or virgins as their additional wives, so I suggest instead of taking these young virgin girls, why don't they marry the single mothers as their second or third wife?" she said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Tough Task Ahead for Germany's First Asian Minister: Health Care Reform Oct 30, 2009
At 36, the Vietnamese-born politician is the youngest member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's new center-right coalition government and the first Asian ever to be appointed a German cabinet minister. Softly spoken and affable, he certainly doesn't seem like a political bruiser. (Time.com)
* UK lawyers seek arrest of Israeli officers Oct 29, 2009
Pro-Palestinian lawyers tried to use universal jurisdiction doctrine to force the arrest of Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on war crimes charges during a visit to Britain last month, but his status as a Cabinet minister gave him diplomatic immunity. It is not yet clear how British courts would view requests for the arrests of serving Israeli military officers. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Spio faces his critics Oct 28, 2009
Indeed, according to this senior NDC member, the main motive for my article was to intimidate the President into appointing me as a Cabinet Minister ... Subsequent to this attack, various media commentators on the issue suggested that I was motivated by sour grapes, bitterness and disappointment in not having been appointed a Cabinet Minister in the Atta Mills government ... I was also accused, without any evidence presented, that I am not a team player, and that as far as this particular... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Mills loses Italy appeal over bribery Oct 28, 2009
David Mills, the estranged husband of UK cabinet minister Tessa Jowell, has lost his appeal against a bribery conviction in Italy. He was convicted of accepting 400,000 from the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in 1997. (BBC News -- Europe)
Drought drives Venezuela to save energy Oct 28, 2009
Chavez has sprung into action in the past week, announcing a contingency plan to conserve electricity and appointing a new Cabinet minister to oversee the electrical sector. Chavez says rationing may be in order and he'll set an example by turning down the air conditioning and turning off more lights at the presidential palace. (MSNBC -- International)
Crime agency told to reform after Debus file Oct 27, 2009
AUSTRALIA'S elite organised crime fighting agency should reform its handling of top secret information, according to an inquiry into the creation and leaking of a file on a cabinet minister. The inquiry, led by the Commonwealth Ombudsman, John McMillan, has found the Australian Crime Commission's information handling policies are conflicting and dated, leaving the agency vulnerable to staff accessing sensitive files inappropriately. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Zim leaders 'poles apart' Oct 27, 2009
"The principals met. Sadly and tragically the stalemate continues," cabinet minister and Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesperson Nelson Chamisa told AFP. "We are poles apart on fundamental issues.". The three-hour talks were the first between the long-term rivals since Tsvangirai shelved ties with Mugabe's "dishonest and unreliable" camp on 16 October, sparking a crisis in the fragile, eight-month partnership. (iAfrica.com)
Chavan, Hooda stay on as CMs Oct 25, 2009
In 1999, Chavan was elected as a Member of Legislative Assembly from Mudkhed constituency and inducted as a cabinet minister for Revenue and Protocol. In 2003, he became minister for Transport, Ports, Cultural Affairs and Protocol. (India Times, India)
German parties reach coalition agreement Oct 25, 2009
On the key posts of new government, Westerwelle assumes the position of deputy Chancellor and foreign minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble becomes finance minister, Rainer Bruederle takes over the economy ministry, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg heads the defence ministry, while Philipp Roesler, will be health minister, becoming the first Asian-born cabinet minister in Germany. Merkel will be reelected as German Chancellor by German Parliament next Wednesday and the new cabinet will be sworn in on the same... (Xinhuanet, China)
Poll boost for British far-right party after Griffin's TV appearance Oct 24, 2009
which successive governments have done far too little to protect". This included 43 per cent who agreed that they had "no sympathy for the party itself", though they shared some of its concerns. Some 12 per cent said they completely agreed with the BNP, against 38 per cent who said they disagreed totally with the party's politics. The BNP claimed on its website on Saturday that 9,000 people had either signed up as "registered potential members or on our mailing lists" since the show aired.... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Miliband tipped for EU foreign minister's post Oct 24, 2009
A Scandinavian cabinet minister told friends this week that Mr Miliband ''is in the frame'' to become the EU foreign policy chief. Other names being mentioned for the post - which is for a minimum of five years - include Olli Rehn, Finland's European commissioner, and two women, Ursula Plassnik and Dora Bakoyannis, former foreign ministers of Austria and Greece. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Poll boost for British far-right after TV first Oct 24, 2009
Cabinet minister Peter Hain, a veteran anti-apartheid campaigner who fought unsuccessfully to try to stop Griffin's appearance, said: "This is exactly what I feared and warned about. "The BBC has handed the BNP the gift of the century on a plate and now we see the consequences. I'm very angry about this. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Ku Klux Klan non-violent? Oct 24, 2009
" The BBC has defended its decision to invite Griffin on the show, saying it was duty bound to be impartial. Cabinet minister Peter Hain, a veteran anti-apartheid campaigner, has accused it of legitimising "racist poison". The programme typically attracts around three million viewers although viewing figures for Thursday's edition, not released yet, are expected to be much higher. AFP Digg If freedom of expression exists, how does the ANC manage to silence every dissenting voice? "We are being... (iAfrica.com)
Mantashe scolds MK vets Oct 24, 2009
ANC General-Secretary Gwede Mantashe has called for a meeting with the leadership of the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association over their controversial statement that former Cabinet minister Kader Asmal "must die". The association said while it was not aware that Asmal was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, perhaps that is the reason "he wants to die fast". (iAfrica.com)
A Lowe blow, but the Reid electorate team gets to keep its seat Oct 24, 2009
Instead, cabinet minister Chris Bowen's seat of Prospect will be renamed McMahon. Mr Bowen said he was disappointed to have his seat renamed for a Liberal politician. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
The shape of things to come in Indonesia Oct 23, 2009
Aburizal Bakrie, a Cabinet minister in Yudhoyono's first term whose family maintains sprawling business interests, won Golkar's chairmanship two weeks ago. In a conciliatory gesture, he promptly elevated Rizal Mallarangeng, a former senior strategist in Yudhoyono's election campaign, to Golkar's executive board. (Asia Times Online)
AP: UK Govt in Uproar Over Exposure Given Far Right Oct 22, 2009
A senior Cabinet minister, Justice Secretary Jack Straw, is supposed to be on the same program, where panelists are questioned on current affairs by a studio audience. The far right party is so pleased with the invite that it is counting down the seconds until the broadcast on its Web site. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
BBC defends BNP move amid protest Oct 22, 2009
Cabinet minister Peter Hain had asked the BBC to rethink the invite to the party, which allows only white members. Ex-London Mayor Ken Livingstone said the BBC would bear moral responsibility for any "spike" in racist attacks. (BBC News -- UK)
Thorpe moves to scuttle doping claims Oct 22, 2009
October 19, 2009 08:41pm AEDT. IAN Thorpe has provided the country's drug testing agency with medical evidence in an attempt to clear his name of doping. (Yahoo News -- Swimming)
People: Polanski May Return to Face Justice Oct 22, 2009
A former French cabinet minister who has been closely associated with Polanski, Kiejman also said he was certain Polanski had regrets, and mentioned the director's reportedly as a consideration. Polanski is still wanted in the U.S. after skipping bail for the 1978 rape of then 13-year-old Samantha Geimer, a crime to which he pleaded guilty and served a 42-day psychiatric evaluation. (Time.com)
Marlborough guilty over false evidence Oct 22, 2009
Former West Australian cabinet minister Norm Marlborough has been fined $12,500 after being found guilty of giving false evidence to a corruption watchdog. Marlborough, 64, had faced trial in the WA District Court on two charges of giving false evidence at Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) hearings in 2006. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Italian women protest offensive Berlusconi Oct 22, 2009
Former left-wing cabinet minister Giovanna Melandri said of the prime minister, reputedly self-conscious about his below-average height, that he is "taller than he is polite.". The petition drew more than 98,000 signatures, said the daily, which has relentlessly chronicled a slew of scandals over Berlusconi's private life since April. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Mugabe doesn't wait Oct 21, 2009
MDC spokesperson and cabinet minister Nelson Chamisa said that any decisions made at Tuesday's meeting would not be binding. "The matter is now in the hands of SADC and the AU (African Union) who are guarantors of this agreement," he said, confirming Tsvangirai's Mozambique trip. (iAfrica.com)
Indonesian reform the path to investment Oct 21, 2009
Bumi, controlled by the powerful Bakrie family whose patriarch Aburizal Bakrie is a cabinet minister and would-be political kingmaker, secured an urgent meeting in June with Bapepam after its chairman Fuad Rahmany, had waved through two earlier controversial Bumi deals but said he'd be continuing the investigation. Suddenly, the third deal was fine or, as reported in the Jakarta Post, "Fuad made the about-face after a closed-door meeting with Nirwan Bakrie, a co-owner of Bumi, and Ari Hudaya,... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Dont Accept Gifts. They Are Bribes. Oct 21, 2009
Can George Adja Sipa Yankey also tell Ghanaians whether he has been forfeiting all the free this, free that, that go with his position as a cabinet minister. In line with what then candidate Mills said during the campaign period that he would ask all his Ministers and top Government officials to pay for utilities, I would want to know if he, Sipa Yankey has been doing so or passing the bill on to Ghanaians. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Lebanese School Cuts Hezbollah Critique From Book Oct 21, 2009
BEIRUT A leading school in Lebanon was forced to remove pages from a history book said to describe Hezbollah as a terrorist organization after a Cabinet minister from the militant group complained, a state news agency reported Tuesday. Hezbollah, which has fought Israel for more than two decades, is considered a resistance movement in Lebanon and rejects being labeled a terrorist group. (Fox News)
Japan PM meets US defence secretary Oct 21, 2009
Mr Gates is the first American cabinet minister to visit Tokyo since the new administration took power last month. Both sides are working out how the relationship, critical to security in north east Asia, will change. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Iceland 'reaches Icesave deal' with Britain, Dutch Oct 19, 2009
A cabinet minister from Sigurdardottir's junior coalition partner the Left Greens resigned in September over the controversial deal. Recommend. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Zaid: I will go to Sabah despite directive Oct 17, 2009
PETALING JAYA: Former Cabinet minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has said that he will be going to Sabah to attend a Hari Raya Aidilfitri event to meet PKR members. He has also said that he had been told by Pakatan Rakyat leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim not to go but stopped short of saying why. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
The state of Victoria Oct 16, 2009
Stacked up, they reach about as high as cabinet minister and former Carlton ruckman Justin Madden. It's a tale of the good, the bad and the ugly, with revelations of police corruption, trains running red lights, hospital errors leaving patients disfigured, and public officials awarding themselves huge pay bonuses in breach of Government rules. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Rwanda: Gov't Has No Plan for Disaster Management Oct 15, 2009
Senators called for an immediate probe into the issue and agreed to establish a senatorial ad hoc committee to scrutinize the matter and come up with a report that would be referred to when a Cabinet Minister is summoned to explain. Be the first to. (allAfrica.com)
Q&A: Expenses row explained Oct 12, 2009
Ms Smith was the first cabinet minister to have her expenses questioned by the media while Hazel Blears had to repay 13,000 in capital gains tax on the sale of two properties. Justice minister stepped down pending an inquiry by into whether his failure to declare a preferential rent deal on his constituency home broke the ministerial code but has since been reinstated as communities minister. (BBC News -- UK)
* Brown treated in hospital for tears in his right eye Oct 12, 2009
Brown told a US talkshow host last month that his eyesight was not at all deteriorating, after former Cabinet minister Charles Clarke suggested he might quit before the election on medical grounds. In a statement, Downing Street said Brown had his annual check-up, which was fine in summer, but subsequently underwent further tests on his retina, which found two tears. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
R39m spent on luxury cars Oct 9, 2009
The DA's Lindiwe Mazibuko said: "This kind of wastage is outrageous this is one of the most expensive vehicles purchased by a Cabinet minister yet.". Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven said: "We cannot see the justification of spending so much money. Ministers spent R39m on cars "It proves once again that people in public office are looking after themselves, rather than those they represent. (iAfrica.com)
* World News Quick Take Oct 7, 2009
A court sentenced a former Cabinet minister to six years in prison yesterday on bribery, corruption and other charges X the countrys first lawmaker locked up for serious breaches of the law. Taito Phillip Field, the first New Zealander of Pacific Islander descent elected to Parliament and appointed to the Cabinet, was found guilty on 11 counts of bribery and corruption and 15 of willfully attempting to obstruct or pervert the course of justice. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Jail for corrupt NZ politician Oct 6, 2009
The former Labour member of parliament and cabinet minister in New Zealand, Taito Phillip Field, has been sentenced to six years in prison. He was found guilty in August of 26 charges of bribery, corruption and obstructing the course of justice. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Fearing Arrest, Israeli Officials Avoid Britain Oct 6, 2009
JERUSALEM -- An Israeli Cabinet minister has called off a visit to Britain because of concerns he could be arrested on suspicion of committing war crimes. The decision by former military chief of staff Moshe Yaalon is the latest example of Israeli-British friction caused by legal action taken by pro-Palestinian activists in the U.K.. (Newsmax)
Army chief Yaalon leaves post Oct 6, 2009
"For both the Shin Bet chief and the army chief, who are preparing the disengagement, for them not to be the ones implementing, it is a problem," cabinet minister Haim Ramon said. In 2003 Gen Yaalon blamed the defence minister's hardline policies for increasing Palestinian militancy and triggering the resignation of then-Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas. (BBC News -- Africa)
Jones to join leadership contest Oct 5, 2009
A number of Labour politicians have declared their support for Mr Jones, including Environment Minister Jane Davidson, AM for Pontypridd, the first cabinet minister to do so. Last Friday Mr Jones received endorsements from Anglesey MP Albert Owen and Cardiff South and Penarth AM Lorraine Barrett. (BBC News -- UK)
* Palestinians in surprise UN resolution turnaround Oct 3, 2009
Barak was untouched X but only because the court that considered the request ruled that he enjoyed immunity as a Cabinet minister. The incident raised the prospect, however, that Israelis might find it increasingly difficult to travel to European countries that recognize universal jurisdiction. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Martha Kearney Oct 3, 2009
One cabinet minister agreed in private but there is no sign of a serious challenger before the election. Nor are there "men in grey suits" poised to tell Brown he should go. (BBC News -- UK)
Debate needed on Cosatu's SACP agenda Oct 2, 2009
SACP chairman Gwede Mantashe is the secretary-general of the ANC, while Blade Nzimande, the party's general secretary, is now a cabinet minister, along with one of his central committee members, Noluthando Mayende-Sibaya ... SACP cabinet ministers at the time, including the then party deputy chairman, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, raised no objection to the introduction of Gear, which Cosatu and the SACP now refer to as the "1996 class project". (Business Report, South Africa)
Diplomats: Palestinians drop Gaza resolution Oct 2, 2009
Barak was untouched _ but only because the court that considered the request ruled that he enjoyed immunity as a Cabinet minister. In 2001, activists tried to bring then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to trial in Belgium in connection with a 1982 massacre at a Beirut refugee camp, and in 2005 a retired Irsaeli general stayed aboard his plane in London after he was tipped off that police were waiting to arrest him outside. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Govt now weighs Re convertibility Oct 2, 2009
A Cabinet minister, who didnt want to be identified, said: Media hype killed the deal. Deal-makers should be discreet. (India Times)
